McDonald

WHAT: Village council meeting Thursday.

PRESENT: Sean Schmidt, Kerry Reckard, John Metzinger, Kyle Joynes, Don Smith and Mayor Ray Lewis.

ABSENT: Chad Jones.

Council:

• Gave second reading to place a 1.5-mill, five-year renewal tax levy on the November ballot to generate $28,000 for the general fund. The levy generates funds set in 1977 with no increase in taxes.

• Approved entering into an agreement with Huntington Bank for financing a street sweeper at $291,980.

• Heard from Reckard the Mahoning Valley Sanitary District, which provides the village with water, is planning a dam rehabilitation project and a Youngstown reservoir project. She said there has been discussion of possible rate increases for water in late 2025 or early 2026.

• Heard from Reckard the village received a $50,000 grant for a backup generator for the water tower.

• Approved allowing the Niles boys tennis team to use the Woodland Park tennis courts for the 2025 season at no cost.

• Heard from Lewis of plans for a beautification day this spring involving McDonald High School National Honor Society members as part of a community service project.

• Announced high school students can apply for the Michael O’Brien or Cindy Green Robinson memorial scholarships provided by the village.

• Heard from Lewis that he has been in talks with Buckeye Energy and Eastern Gas companies over gas aggregation and advised residents to decide what gas rates are best for their households.

• Bob Coupland